Bury V Preston at Gigg Lane : Match Preview

07 September 2012 11:31

Shirtliff's Shakers looking strong
Bury's caretaker boss Peter Shirtliff has no new injury concerns to contend with for the visit of in-form Preston.
Former North End striker David Healy is rated 50/50 for the match and will undergo a late fitness test.
Should the Northern Ireland international feature, his presence is likely to prompt a feisty reception from the travelling fans.
The 33-year-old fractured relations with the Preston faithful during his ill-tempered move from Deepdale to Leeds in 2004.
Healy had looked set to re-sign for the Lilywhites in the summer and manager Graham Westley spent several weeks running the rule of the forward before opting not to offer him a deal.
Elsewhere, Efe Sodje is in line for a recall to the Shakers defence where he will be tasked with containing his brother Akpo, who has scored twice for North End this season.
Preston manager Graham Westley is expected to make wholesale changes from the side that beat Carlisle in midweek.
Scott Laird, Stuart Beavon, Paul Huntington and goalkeeper Thorstan Stuckmann are all likely to be recalled for the short trip to Gigg Lane.
The Lilywhites made nine changes for Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint clash against the Cumbrians, which fell just 48 hours after North End had beaten Swindon 4-1, with defenders Bradley Wright and Keith Keane the only ever-presents.
Bury represent Preston's local derby in League One and Westley has called on the players to understand the rivalry which is expected to see in excess of 2,000 fans make the trip to Greater Manchester.
He told the club's official website: "If you are in Preston as the Preston manager or a Preston player then it is important you feel the club's results and you know what it means to the people."
Joel Byrom and John Mousinho (both thigh) are Westley's only injury doubts, while Lee Holmes (gashed leg) and Lee Trundle (knee) remain long-term absentees.